Entities defending human rights, and the National Conference of the Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) denounce the serious situation of the indigenous people in Mato Grosso do Sul after the decision of the governor of this state, Andres Puccineli, to suspend the distribution of 11,000 basic food baskets through the program of Alimentary Security.

The social movements and the CNBB are trying by political pressure that the delivery of the baskets will return. Besides this they are asking for support of parliamentarians and jurists to put an end on the impunity for the crimes executed by security companies contracted by large estate owners.

 

The cut of the basic food baskets causes serious problems for more than 8,000 Kaiowá Guarani families, provoking desperation and revolt in several communities of the state. The last years these indigenous people in Mato Grosso do Sul have faced several cases of children dying of malnutrition (31 children in 2005, according to data of Cimi). The indigenous people can not longer plant their own food, because they cannot live on their own land, or their land is much too small.

 

For the 70 families of the community of Kurusu Amba, the situation is even more serious after the expulsion of their traditional land executed by a security company on the 9^th of January. This illegal action resulted in the death of the indigenous woman Xuretê Lopes, 73 years, and in two people injured. Also it led to the disappearance of a child of 14 years and to the false imprisonment of four indigenous leaders of this community.

 

Beside the political pressure the social movements also have collected two tons of clothes and foods, in front of the palace of the governor. This will be delivered to the leaders of the Kaiowá Guarani in the community of Kurusu Amba. After delivery, there will be manifestations in the streets of the cities.

 

 

Source: CIMI, Missionary Council for Indigenous Peoples, Brazil

www.cimi.org.br

7 February 2007